BOWLING: Invincibles top the Gilt Edge Short Mat League with 73 points at the half-way stage of the season.

They had an easy 30-7 victory over Telly Tubbies, who are third in the table, to hold a two-point lead over Tornadoes on 71.

Tornadoes won their first half 11-8 against Chestnuts, thanks to a hot-shot six from Rose Bradley, Tony Crowley and Ian Davis.

But the second half was tighter as they just pulled through 7-5 in the face of good bowling from Chestnuts' Pat Newall, Cliff Marshall and Bobby Baulk.

The Aces made up for last week's defeat with a good 15-9 victory over Brintons, while Crusaders also bounced back with a 21-13 success against Wribbenhall.

Blakedown slipped up again although they won the second half 10-8 by taking three shots on the last two ends.

However, opponents Squirrel dominated the first half 15-3 to take the match 23-13.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire Premier needed at least 14 points to keep them in contention within their group but lost 27-9 at Oxfordshire.

They now need two good wins home and away to Northamptonshire to stand any chance of going into the main contest for the county champions title.

The A side were also defeated, slipping 25-11 at home to Oxfordshire.